Owning a casual business is easier said than done. Although we’ve gone through the basics of what the (sometimes infuriating) term means in 2025, things go much deeper. So deep, in fact, that we’re starting at the bottom, where thankfully the best business casual shoes for men are nothing short of a blessing in disguise: A happy medium between the full-on dress shoes that gather dust on the backside of your clothing. closet and tattered sneakers piled precariously by your front door.
Truth be told, business casual shoes also curb some of our worst impulses when it comes to shoes. For example, dress shoes are generally nice, but comically sized heels are best avoided. The same goes for sneakers: minimalist kicks are usually fine, but bright colors and big logos? Better not. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of every possible shoe category. Our favorite thing is that whichever you choose, you’ll get thousands of miles on them outside of the office, too. A lot of bang for the buck you work so hard for.
For more on your 9-to-5, be sure to check out the Office Style Shop, our first-ever shoppable guide to workplace style, filled with strong outfits carefully curated by the GQ team Recommends.
In this buying guide
Laceups & business casual derby
In general, these are your safest bets when it comes to the business side of business casual. Black and brown lace-ups will blend in perfectly when you find yourself wearing a suit, but these pairs in particular are just as at home with jeans and chinos. Many of the following are commonly seen around GQ and the towers.
Dr. Martens
1461 Black Mono Derby
Everything about these shoes screams business casual. The black upper, black laces and straight black heel are the perfect monotone package to help you climb the corporate ladder (without sacrificing your LinkedIn dignity). But like all Docs parties, there’s still a quiet, uncomfortable edge to them. And they are comfortable.
Thom Browne
The Longwing Derby
Few designers convey “I’ve got it” quite like wearing Thom Browne. These derbies boast all of its hallmarks, with classic brogue detailing, beautifully textured leather and, of course, that eye-catching tricolor ring.
Brooks Brothers
The Princeton Derby
The kind of shoes that Ivy League students would wear when their parents came to town, it’s no wonder they earned the name ‘Princeton.’
Allen Edmonds
Trevor Plain-Toe Derby Shoe
Perhaps the most businesslike of these choices, these may even be long enough to be suitable for a formal wedding. And of course, the more formal you go down, the more freedom you can go up.
Preboot
Villandry Black Calf Leather Derby Shoes
Villandry is the midpoint between Paraboot Michael and Chambord’s iconic footwear, just as business casual is the midpoint between… you get the gist.
GHBass
Wallace Lace-Up Shoes
GH Bass: Not just loafers! There are also these Paraboot looks, at a not very Paraboot price.
Business casual sneakers
Sneakers have become increasingly common around the office over the past decade, but before you consider buying these, make sure you’re sure your business is okay with something so casual. If the answer is yes, you’re in luck! Because the following business-ready sneakers are simply some of the best sneakers out there, period. Just be careful not to tear them also a lot.
Lady White Co.
British Military Trainer
The continued cooperation of Lady White Co. with Reproduction of Found recently delivered these grown-up trainers—a sporty silhouette that, thanks to black suede, somehow looks formal.
Maison Margiela
Replica low top sneakers
A staple of sneaker culture and an absolute grail in quality leather. When they can cost more than your boss’s suit, do they still count as sneakers?
Adidas
Stan Smith sneakers
If you’re going to go with a white tennis shoe, this is about the only fail-safe tennis shoe.
Nike
Black LD-1000 sneakers
Everything we love about Nike, just worn in all the right ways. The Swoosh can be hidden this time.
TALK
White Chuck 70 Sneakers
The trick to classics like these games is that they’re so iconic that no one will know you’re wearing a canvas shoe with a plush sole to work. Just promise us you won’t go with a pop of color or a print here. Keep it neutral, keep it natural.
ACTIvE
Roger Advantage Shoes
You’re sure to win heads in Aspen and coffee shops alike: Federer’s stamp of approval goes a long way, and On’s comfort credentials are already proven.
Business casual boots
Let’s not get confused here folks, when we say “business casual boots”, we mean understated and sophisticated. Banish any vision of heavy soles or weatherproof materials. Also, the boot adventure calls for keeping the rest of your style on the conservative side—and always resisting any urge to tuck in the hems of your pants. You are a very serious businessman, not a rodeo clown.
George Cleverley
Taron II Pebble-Grain Leather Derby Boots
All the royals, rock stars and basically anyone with money and taste in handmade shoes gather at George Cleverley. These storm-filled boots, with a beautiful Derby toe, may call you to see management – but only so they can get themselves a pair.
RMWilliams
Chelsea Gardener Whole-Cut Leather Boots
Gardeners are our favorite Chelsea boots. They’re formal, they’re farm-ready, they’re business casual.
I’m teasing
Count
For cowboys who traded pastures for wages.
Alden
Suede Indy Boots
The Indy has been a business casual classic long before the menswear boom of the 2010s. But it dominated that decade too because it’s so good with chinos, and even better with chinos.
Read more: The best dress boots for men
Business casual loafers
Ah, the bread. If the gods didn’t wear sandals, we swear they’d wear moccasins. Although these come steeped in tradition, don’t let that put you off – there are enough variations out there to let you show your personality with ease. And again, you’ll be able to wear these far beyond any conference room in sight, whether you go with a simple pair or a new style. All you need are some white socks and blue jeans.
GHBass
Larson Weejun Loafer
These are about as straightforward as they come, and that’s exactly why they work, and why GH Bass has become a household name (in bass-loving households). It might even be worth choosing them in two colors.
Blackstock & Weber
Ellis Penny Loafer
The armored tank of moccasins, no one textures or balances the upper to the heel quite like Blackstock & Weber.
Our heritage
Leather loafers
Ok, so you work on one cold office, but it’s still an open Monday. Our heritage Mokosi has just the right mix of glitz and playfulness.
Buck Mason
Sanders full cut leather loafer
Buck Mason: Not just for the weekend. These simple loafers are more like slippers, but to a boss just passing by, they’ll pass as cropped Oxfords.
Sid Mashburn
Italian Penny Loafer
Sid Mashburn himself has been known to wear these almost every day of the year. And considering he’s only ever worn pants or jeans, that’s all the proof you need that these can go pretty much anywhere. A secret rubber sole is also hidden there.
Morjas
Belgian
Finally, this collection takes its final bow with a bowless Belgian. If you want to wear a loafer but don’t want to be too casual in suede, too flashy in flat black leather, or too sneaky in slippers, the pebbled Belgian is your answer.
Read more: The best moccasins for men
Frequently asked questions about business casual shoes
What colors should I consider for business casual shoes?
Like all business casual things, it’s all a matter of angle. Think about your workplace and the general atmosphere. If an electric pink brogue would be a landmark first in your ranks, let someone else blaze that trail. You will always be confident in the shade of brown or black, so start there. If you’re sure you can push the boundaries a bit, feel free to throw a nice white sneaker or chocolate suede into the mix.
What materials should I avoid?
If you look at your shoes and there’s nothing “business” about them, you’re probably looking at a material you should avoid. If it’s the kind of shoe you can wear to the beach, you’re definitely looking for a material to avoid. To summarize: Get rid of most canvases and linens, both of which get dirty very quickly and read as casual or leisure. We would also advise against experimenting with any graphic designs or giant logos.
What makes a shoe “business casual”?
Oh man, we could write a book about this. And we somehow have up. But we’ll tone it down for now: a business casual shoe is as at home in the office as it is a company picnic in the park In general, business casual shoes should be in a material that reads BUsINEss: a hide or a chamois. (Sneakers can have some leeway here.) Second, they can draw attention, but for the right reasons—keep them neutral. And finally, they should never have conspicuous logos.
